CSA Volleyball
Program Handbook

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

A Message from the Volleyball Director

Welcome to CSA Volleyball. My name is Stephanie Abdalla, and I serve as the Volleyball Director for the Cajun Sports Association here in Lafayette, Louisiana. I am proud to lead a program that is rooted in community, built on a love of the game, and committed to developing young athletes the right way.

This handbook exists because our players, their families, and our volunteer coaches deserve clarity. You deserve to know exactly what this program stands for, what we expect from everyone involved, and what your daughter will learn from the first day of practice to the last point of the season. Nothing in here is arbitrary — every rule, every expectation, and every practice plan has been designed with one goal in mind: to give every girl in this program a great experience with volleyball.

CSA Volleyball is a recreational, developmental league. That means we are not a club program, we do not cut players, and we do not prioritize winning over learning. What we do prioritize is effort, attitude, skill growth, and sportsmanship. A player who hustles every practice, encourages her teammates, and improves her serve over nine weeks is a success story — regardless of the scoreboard.

Please read this handbook carefully. Share it with your daughter. If you are a coach, treat it as your operating manual. If you are a parent, treat it as your partnership agreement with this program. And if you ever have questions, my door is open.

— Stephanie Abdalla, CSA Volleyball Director

Program Mission

Core Values

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

Age Groups & Eligibility

CSA Volleyball is open to girls in grades 1 through 6. All ages are determined by the player's grade level at the start of the season. Players are grouped into four divisions designed to match physical development and skill level. The primary focus of this handbook and curriculum is the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade divisions, which represent the core developmental years of the program.

Season Structure

CSA Volleyball runs two seasons per year — Fall and Spring. Each season is nine weeks in length, consisting of one practice per week and weekly games. The season concludes with an end-of-season tournament (see Section 11).

Registration

Registration is handled through the CSA website at www.csalaf.com. Deadlines are posted on the site prior to each season. Late registrations may be accepted on a space-available basis. All players must be registered before participating in any practice or game. Registration fees, payment options, and scholarship information are available through the CSA office.

Team Formation

Teams are formed by the Volleyball Director following registration close. Teams are balanced by grade level and, where possible, by prior experience. Players may request to be placed with a friend, but team balance takes priority. Rosters are finalized before the first practice and will not be changed except in extraordinary circumstances.

Uniforms & Equipment

Each registered player will receive a CSA volleyball jersey as part of their registration. Players are responsible for wearing their assigned jersey to every game. Shorts, knee pads, and athletic shoes are the player's responsibility. On game day every player wears her CSA jersey, athletic shorts of any color, and knee pads, with her hair tied back.

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

All CSA Volleyball practices and games are held at the Comeaux Rec Center in Lafayette. All participants — players, coaches, and spectators — are expected to follow the facility’s rules at all times. Failure to comply may result in removal from the facility and/or suspension from the program.

Comeaux Rec Center — Practice and Game Facility

The Comeaux Rec Center is a Lafayette Parish Recreation District (LPRD) facility. All LPRD rules apply in addition to the CSA-specific rules below.

• Entry and exit must be through designated entrances only. Do not prop open emergency exits.
• Players must be accompanied by a parent or guardian until their coach arrives. Do not leave children unattended at the facility.
• No outside food is permitted inside the gym. Sealed water bottles are okay at practice; no glass.
• No gum, sunflower seeds, or other shelled products inside the gym or on the courts.
• No glass bottles or containers anywhere in the facility.
• Alcohol, smoking, vaping, and all tobacco products are strictly prohibited inside the facility and on all grounds.
• No profane, obscene, or racially/sexually offensive language at any time.
• No fighting, bullying, or threatening behavior. Any such conduct results in immediate removal.
• Non-marking athletic shoes are required on all gym floors. Street shoes, boots, sandals, and cleats are not permitted.
• No dunking, hanging on rims, backboards, or nets. No throwing, kicking, or striking balls outside of organized activity.
• Equipment setup and takedown must be handled by CSA staff or designated coaches only. Do not move or adjust nets, standards, or court equipment without authorization.
• Pets are not permitted inside the facility.
• All bags are subject to inspection by facility staff.
• Injuries, accidents, or equipment failures must be reported immediately to a CSA coach or facility staff member.
• Players must be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of practice. Coaches are not responsible for supervising players after the scheduled session ends.
• No personal sports equipment (other than personal knee pads and water bottles) may be brought to practice without coach approval.

Game Days

On game days these rules apply in addition to the facility rules above. CSA is a guest of the facility, and all participants are expected to represent the program with professionalism and respect.

• All participants must enter and exit through the designated CSA program entrance. Follow posted signage and staff direction.
• No outside food is permitted inside the gymnasium. On game day, any drink in a sealed or capped, non-glass bottle is fine.
• Spectators must remain in designated spectator areas. Do not enter the court, bench areas, or warm-up zones.
• Non-marking athletic shoes are required on the gymnasium floor at all times. No exceptions.
• No profane language, taunting, or unsportsmanlike conduct toward players, coaches, officials, or opposing teams.
• No alcohol, smoking, or vaping on facility property.
• Photography and video recording are subject to CSA's Photography & Social Media Policy (Section 9).
• Parking is available in designated lots. Do not park in reserved or restricted areas.
• Facility staff have authority to remove any individual who violates facility policies.
• All facility rules (above) also apply on game days.

General Conduct

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

CSA volleyball rules are adapted from USA Volleyball guidelines and modified to be age-appropriate for recreational, developmental play. The goal is to maximize ball contacts, keep rallies going, and teach proper technique — not to replicate the adult game at the expense of player development.

Court & Equipment Specifications

Team Composition

• Six players per side on the court at one time.
• A team may begin play with a minimum of four players.
• If a team cannot field four players within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, the match is forfeited.
• A late-arriving player may rotate into the lineup at the team's next rotation without penalty.
• Teams may borrow players from the same age division with the Volleyball Director's approval. Borrowed players may not start unless needed to reach the minimum of four. Maximum of four borrowed players per match.

Match Format & Scoring

• Matches are best two out of three sets. Sets 1 and 2 are played to 25 points. If a third set is required, it is played to 15 points.
• A team must win by two points. Point caps are set at 30 (sets 1 & 2) and 20 (set 3). The first team to reach the cap wins the set regardless of the two-point margin.
• Rally scoring is used: a point is awarded on every rally, regardless of which team served.
• Each team receives two time-outs per set, each lasting one minute.
• A two-minute rest is allowed between sets.
• A coin toss opens the match and determines first serve or side. The winning team chooses; the losing team gets the remaining option. The team that did not serve first in set 1 serves first in set 2. A new coin toss is held before any third set, and the winner again chooses serve or side.
• Teams switch sides between sets 1 and 2. In a third set, teams switch sides when one team reaches 8 points.
• 5-in-a-Row Rule (grades 3–6): A server stops after five points in a row, and the serve is awarded to the opposing team. This rule promotes competitive balance and keeps all players engaged.
• Three Serves Each (grades 1–2): Every server serves three times, no matter what — even after a missed serve or a lost rally. The other team still scores every rally it wins.

Serving Rules by Grade

Serving rules are graduated by grade level to match physical development and ensure players experience success. The serving lines referenced below correspond to court markings at CSA facilities.

Rotation

Players rotate clockwise each time the serve comes to their team. The player in position 1 (right back) serves. In grades 3–6 that is after each side-out. In grades 1–2 it is after the other team’s server has made her three serves. Either way, the new serving team rotates before the serve.

• Teams starting the game receiving serve will rotate before their first serve opportunity.
• Lineup and rotation carry over from the first set to the second: teams begin the second set in the positions in which they ended the first. A new lineup is allowed before the third set.
• Substitutions: the player in position 5 (left back) goes to the back of the bench, and the player at the front of the bench comes in at position 4 (left front).
• One coach and one assistant coach may stand on the sideline (bench side). Coaches must remain off the court and may not cross the 10-foot line toward the net during play.

Ball in Play

• Each team is allowed a maximum of three contacts to return the ball over the net. A block touch does not count as one of the three contacts.
• A player may not contact the ball twice in succession, except when the first touch is a block.
• If two teammates contact the ball simultaneously, it counts as one contact and either player may play the next ball.
• A ball that touches the net and continues over to the opponent's court is in play (let serve and let ball are both legal).
• A ball is in if it touches any part of the boundary line.
• A ball is out if it lands outside the boundary lines, passes outside the antenna, or touches the ceiling or any overhead obstruction.
• A player may play a ball that is out of bounds on their side, provided they do not touch the opponent's court.

Faults (Point Awarded to Opponent)

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

CSA Volleyball coaches are volunteers who give their time to make this program possible. That commitment is valued and respected. In return, coaches agree to uphold the standards of this program, follow all CSA policies, and serve as positive role models for every player in their care.

Coach Eligibility

• Head coaches must be at least 18 years of age. Assistant coaches may be 16–17 with direct adult supervision. A 16–17-year-old assistant does not count as the second adult under the Two-Deep Rule. The second adult can be another coach, a parent who stays behind, or Front Desk staff.
• All coaches must complete a CSA volunteer registration form prior to their first practice.
• All coaches must pass a background check before working with players (see Section 8).
• All coaches must complete USA Volleyball's SafeSport training before the season begins (see Section 8).
• Each team is permitted one head coach and one assistant coach on the sideline during games. Additional coaches must remain in the spectator area.

Coach Responsibilities

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of every practice and game to set up and prepare.
• Remain at the facility until every player has been picked up by a parent or guardian.
• If a parent does not come, contact the parent and ask if they can send a family member. Keep contacting adults the child knows until one of them can be reached and can pick her up. Call the Director after a reasonable attempt has been made to reach an adult or an alternate adult.
• Follow the season curriculum and practice plan framework provided in the Coach Practice Plan Guide (separate document).
• Ensure all players receive equal playing time in every game. No player should sit out more than one rotation per set without a documented reason (injury, disciplinary).
• Communicate any player concerns, injuries, or behavioral issues to the Volleyball Director promptly.
• Maintain a positive, encouraging tone at all times during practice and games.
• Teach skills progressively — do not advance players to more complex techniques before foundational skills are established.
• Keep practice sessions organized and on-schedule. A 60-minute practice should follow the four-phase structure outlined in the curriculum guide.

Coach Code of Conduct

• No physical contact with players beyond age-appropriate instruction (e.g., demonstrating proper arm position). When in doubt, demonstrate on yourself.
• No yelling at, belittling, or publicly embarrassing any player — regardless of performance or behavior.
• No profane, sexual, or discriminatory language in the presence of players or at any CSA event.
• No one-on-one contact with a player outside of the team setting without another adult present (two-deep leadership rule).
• No communication with players via personal social media, direct messaging, or text outside of official team channels. The team GroupMe or text group is an official channel for parents only.
• No arguing with officials, opposing coaches, or parents during games. Disputes must be addressed calmly and through the Volleyball Director.
• No alcohol or substance use before or during any CSA event.

Communication Policy

Clear communication protects everyone. The following chain of communication must be followed:

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

Being a CSA volleyball player is a privilege and a responsibility. The expectations below apply to every player, at every practice and every game, regardless of grade level or experience. These are not optional guidelines — they are the standard of conduct for this program.

Attendance & Punctuality

• Players are expected to attend every scheduled practice and game. Consistent attendance is essential for team development.
• If a player cannot attend, the parent or guardian must notify the coach as early as possible — ideally 24 hours in advance.
• Players who miss more than three practices without communication may lose their starting rotation position for the following game.
• Players should arrive ready to participate — in proper attire, with water, and mentally prepared to work.

Attitude & Effort

• Give your best effort every time you step on the court. Best effort looks different for every player — what matters is that you are trying.
• Stay positive. Mistakes happen. How you respond to a mistake matters more than the mistake itself.
• Support your teammates. Celebrate their successes. Encourage them when they struggle.
• Listen to your coach. When a coach is speaking, players stop, face the coach, and listen.
• Accept coaching. Feedback is not criticism — it is how you get better.

Sportsmanship

• Respect your opponents. They are not your enemies — they are other kids who love volleyball just like you.
• Respect officials. Referees make mistakes. Arguing with or taunting officials is never acceptable.
• Win with class. Lose with grace. Neither outcome defines you as a player or a person.
• No taunting, trash-talking, or celebrating at the expense of the other team.
• Line up and shake hands with the opposing team at the end of every match — win or lose.

Uniform & Equipment

• Wear your assigned CSA jersey to every game, with athletic shorts of any color and knee pads. Tie your hair back. Practices may be in any athletic clothing.
• Wear non-marking athletic shoes to every practice and game. No exceptions at the gym.
• Remove all jewelry before participating. Earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces must come off. Medical alert jewelry is the only exception.
• Bring a sealed water bottle to every practice. On game day, any drink in a sealed or capped bottle is fine. Staying hydrated is part of being a prepared athlete.

Behavior at Practice vs. Games

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

Parents and spectators are a vital part of the CSA volleyball experience. Your energy, encouragement, and presence make a real difference to your daughter and her teammates. We ask that you channel that energy positively. The standards below are not suggestions — they are requirements for participation in CSA events.

The Role of a CSA Volleyball Parent

Your job at a CSA volleyball game is simple: cheer, encourage, and enjoy. Your daughter's coach has a plan. The officials are doing their job. Your role is to be the loudest, most positive voice in the gym — for your daughter's team and, when appropriate, for the other team too. Youth sports are better when adults model the sportsmanship we ask of our kids.

Sideline Conduct

• Remain in designated spectator areas at all times. Do not enter the court, bench area, or warm-up zones during practice or games.
• Cheer for your team positively. Avoid negative comments about players — including your own daughter — coaches, or officials.
• Do not coach from the sideline. Your daughter has a coach. Conflicting instructions from the stands confuse players and undermine the coach's authority.
• Do not approach officials during or immediately after a game to dispute calls. If you have a concern about a referee's call, wait 24 hours, then take it to your coach.
• Do not approach opposing coaches or parents in a confrontational manner. Any dispute must go through the Volleyball Director.
• Profane, abusive, or threatening language directed at anyone — player, coach, official, or spectator — will result in removal from the facility.
• Silence your phone during play. Step out of the gym to take calls.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Policy

• Players must not be dropped off at the facility more than 15 minutes before the scheduled start of practice or games.
• Players must be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of the session. Coaches are not responsible for supervising players after the session ends.
• If you are running late for pick-up, call or text your coach immediately. Do not leave your child unattended at the facility.
• If someone other than a parent or guardian is picking up your daughter, notify the coach in advance.

Communication Ladder

Following the communication ladder prevents misunderstandings, protects the coach-player relationship, and ensures concerns are addressed properly.

Volunteer Opportunities

CSA is an all-volunteer organization. We welcome parent involvement at every level — from helping with equipment setup to assisting with the end-of-season tournament. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Volleyball Director at the start of the season. All volunteers working directly with players must complete a background check (see Section 8).

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

The safety of every player in this program is the highest priority. CSA Volleyball is committed to creating an environment where children are protected from abuse, misconduct, and harm. This section outlines the mandatory requirements for all adults working with CSA volleyball players.

Background Check Requirements

All coaches, assistant coaches, and any adult volunteer who has regular, direct contact with players must complete a background check before participating in any CSA volleyball activity. Background checks are administered through CSA's approved screening provider. Results are reviewed by CSA administration. Any individual with a disqualifying offense will not be permitted to serve in any capacity involving player contact.

• Background checks must be completed and cleared before the first practice of the season.
• Background checks must be renewed annually.
• The cost of the background check is the responsibility of the volunteer, unless otherwise communicated by CSA.
• Failure to complete a background check disqualifies an individual from coaching or volunteering with players.

SafeSport Training

USA Volleyball's SafeSport program is the national standard for protecting youth athletes from abuse and misconduct in volleyball. CSA requires all coaches and adult volunteers to complete the SafeSport Trained certification before the season begins.

• SafeSport training is completed online at safesport.org and takes approximately 90 minutes.
• Certification must be current (renewed annually).
• Coaches must provide proof of completion to the Volleyball Director before their first practice.
• SafeSport training covers: recognizing abuse and misconduct, reporting obligations, boundary violations, and creating a safe environment for youth athletes.

Reporting Obligations

Two-Deep Leadership

At no time should any adult be alone with a single player. This rule protects players from potential misconduct and protects coaches from false allegations. At least two adults must be present whenever coaches are working with players; a 16–17-year-old assistant coach does not count as the second adult. If a player needs to speak privately with a coach, the conversation must take place in a visible, public area with another adult nearby.

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

CSA Volleyball embraces the enthusiasm of families who want to document and share their daughters' athletic experiences. At the same time, we have a responsibility to protect the privacy and safety of all minors in our program. This policy applies to all participants, spectators, coaches, and CSA staff at all CSA volleyball events.

Photography & Video at Events

• Parents and family members are welcome to photograph and video record their own children at CSA volleyball events.
• Photography of other people's children requires the consent of that child's parent or guardian. When in doubt, ask.
• No photography or video recording is permitted in locker rooms, restrooms, or any private area.
• Individuals who are asked to stop photographing a specific child must comply immediately.
• CSA reserves the right to photograph and video record players, coaches, and events for program promotion. By registering for CSA Volleyball, families consent to this use unless they submit a written opt-out request to the Volleyball Director before the season begins.

Social Media Guidelines

• When posting photos or videos that include other children, tag only your own child. Do not tag or identify other minors by name.
• Do not post content that could embarrass, humiliate, or negatively portray any player, coach, or official — including your own child.
• Do not post content that reveals the schedule, location, or personal information of any player other than your own.
• Coaches may not post photos or videos of players on personal social media accounts without written parental consent. Team accounts managed through official CSA channels are the appropriate platform for team content.
• Negative commentary about officials, opposing teams, or other CSA families on social media reflects on the entire program and is prohibited.

Opt-Out Process

Families who do not wish their child to appear in CSA-produced photography or promotional materials must submit a written opt-out request to the Volleyball Director before the season begins. Opt-out requests will be honored and communicated to the CSA photography team. Note that CSA cannot control photography taken by other families at events.

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

Every coach must be familiar with this Emergency Action Plan before the first practice. In any emergency, the priority order is: (1) Ensure safety, (2) Call for help, (3) Notify parents, (4) Notify the Volleyball Director.

Medical Emergency Protocol

1. Stop play immediately. Clear the court. Keep other players calm and away from the injured player.
2. Assess the situation. Do not move the player if a head, neck, or spine injury is suspected.
3. Call 911 for every head injury, and whenever the injury is serious, the player is unconscious, or you are unsure of the severity.
4. Administer first aid if you are trained to do so and it is safe. Do not exceed your training. The first aid kit is at the Front Desk.
5. Contact the player's parent or guardian first, using the emergency contact information on file.
6. Then notify the Volleyball Director, once the player is stable and the parent or guardian has been contacted.
7. Document the incident in writing as soon as possible, including time, nature of injury, actions taken, and who was notified. Incident Report forms are at the Front Desk.

Concussion Protocol

Call 911 for every head injury. Any player who sustains a blow to the head, or who displays symptoms of a concussion (headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, sensitivity to light), must be removed from play immediately. The player may not return to play the same day. A written medical clearance from a licensed healthcare provider is required before the player may return to practice or games.

Weather & Cancellation Policy

• The Volleyball Director will communicate cancellations due to weather or facility issues as early as possible — ideally at least two hours before the scheduled event.
• Cancellation notices will be sent through the official CSA communication platform and/or email. Coaches are responsible for relaying cancellations to their team.
• Do not travel to the facility if a cancellation has been announced. If you are unsure, contact your coach before leaving home.
• Makeup dates for cancelled practices will be scheduled at the Director's discretion based on facility availability.
• Games cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled when possible. The tournament schedule will be adjusted accordingly.

Facility Emergency Contacts

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

Each CSA volleyball season concludes with an end-of-season tournament. The tournament is a celebration of the season — a chance for players to compete, showcase what they've learned, and finish the year on a high note. All teams participate regardless of their regular-season record.

Tournament Format

• All teams in each grade division are invited to participate in the end-of-season tournament.
• Tournament seeding is based on regular-season record (wins, then set differential, then point differential).
• The tournament is single-elimination, bracket-style.
• All tournament matches follow standard CSA game rules (Section 4).
• Only players on the official team roster who have participated in at least one regular-season game are eligible for the tournament.
• Rosters are frozen at the end of the regular season. No new players may be added for the tournament.

Tournament Day Expectations

• Teams must arrive at least 30 minutes before their first scheduled match for check-in and warm-up.
• All regular CSA rules for uniforms, conduct, and facility use apply throughout the tournament.
• Coaches are responsible for communicating the tournament schedule to their team and families at least one week in advance.
• The tournament is a family event. Spectators are encouraged to attend and cheer — within the conduct standards of Section 7.

Recognition & Awards

CSA Volleyball believes in recognizing effort, growth, and character — not just wins. End-of-season recognition may include:

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

The CSA volleyball curriculum is built around a simple truth: players learn best when they are having fun and touching the ball often. Every practice is structured to maximize ball contacts, build skills progressively, and keep players engaged from warm-up to the final whistle. The full weekly practice plan guide is provided as a separate document for coaches.

Season Phases

The 9-week season is divided into three phases. Each phase builds on the previous one, moving from individual skill development to team play.

Skills by Grade Level

Practice Structure (60 Minutes)

CSA Volleyball Program Handbook

This glossary is designed for players and parents who are new to volleyball. Understanding the language of the game helps players learn faster and helps parents follow along during games.